Bipolar Disorder Counselling in East London, London

Photo of Kate-Marie Travis, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Kate-Marie Travis
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
East London, London E8
I have a rich 22 years of experience specialising in children, families, couples, and individuals facing diverse relational, personal, and mental health challenges (inc: anorexia, depression, anxiety, bipolar, EUDP, personality disorders, and schizophrenia). I bring sensitivity and curiosity to navigate these complexities. I strive to be your ally in understanding and overcoming challenges, fostering a safe and flexible space where your unique needs are met. Together, we'll embark on a transformative journey, embracing diversity and cultural nuances. Your goals are my priority.
I have a rich 22 years of experience specialising in children, families, couples, and individuals facing diverse relational, personal, and mental health challenges (inc: anorexia, depression, anxiety, bipolar, EUDP, personality disorders, and schizophrenia). I bring sensitivity and curiosity to navigate these complexities. I strive to be your ally in understanding and overcoming challenges, fostering a safe and flexible space where your unique needs are met. Together, we'll embark on a transformative journey, embracing diversity and cultural nuances. Your goals are my priority.
020 4524 2977 View 020 4524 2977
Photo of Eve Janes, MBACP, Counsellor
Eve Janes
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East London, London E5  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I also specialise in neurodivergence which includes; ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, epilepsy, bipolar, OCD, tourette's, epilepsy, anxiety and depression amongst others.
Hello and welcome! My name is Eve, I am a neurodivergent support specialist & person-centred therapist. As a therapist, I always aim to be a compassionate facilitator, listening and acknowledging the client's experience without shifting the conversation in another direction, and by being open to experience; being trusting and trustworthy, being curious, creative, and compassionate. I feel this is vital in helping clients feel accepted and better understand their feelings. This approach can help clients reconnect with their inner values and sense of self-worth by enabling them to find their way to move forward and progress.
I also specialise in neurodivergence which includes; ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, epilepsy, bipolar, OCD, tourette's, epilepsy, anxiety and depression amongst others.
Hello and welcome! My name is Eve, I am a neurodivergent support specialist & person-centred therapist. As a therapist, I always aim to be a compassionate facilitator, listening and acknowledging the client's experience without shifting the conversation in another direction, and by being open to experience; being trusting and trustworthy, being curious, creative, and compassionate. I feel this is vital in helping clients feel accepted and better understand their feelings. This approach can help clients reconnect with their inner values and sense of self-worth by enabling them to find their way to move forward and progress.
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Photo of Melissa Thompson, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor
Melissa Thompson
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
East London, London E14
I specialise in the following areas anxiety/generalised anxiety disorder, depression, stress, bereavement, trauma, low self esteem, abuse, bipolar, obsessive compulsive disorder and relationship problems.
Reaching out for help can be hard but it is an important step in the right direction towards living your life fully. Sometimes trying to navigate through life alone can be confusing and speaking to friends or family can often be too difficult, this is why talking to a neutral professional counsellor can provide you with the support you need. I offer a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space where you can explore the areas of your life that you are struggling with. By exploring your thoughts, feelings and behaviours of the past and present I can help you gain better self-awareness and overcome the obstacles weighing you down.
I specialise in the following areas anxiety/generalised anxiety disorder, depression, stress, bereavement, trauma, low self esteem, abuse, bipolar, obsessive compulsive disorder and relationship problems.
Reaching out for help can be hard but it is an important step in the right direction towards living your life fully. Sometimes trying to navigate through life alone can be confusing and speaking to friends or family can often be too difficult, this is why talking to a neutral professional counsellor can provide you with the support you need. I offer a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space where you can explore the areas of your life that you are struggling with. By exploring your thoughts, feelings and behaviours of the past and present I can help you gain better self-awareness and overcome the obstacles weighing you down.
020 8138 0228 View 020 8138 0228
Photo of Awawu Ola Ajala, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Awawu Ola Ajala
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
East London, London E10
I have experience working with a range of mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, personality disorder, eating disorder, trauma, PTSD and ASD.
Systemic Family Therapy is a branch of Psychotherapy that promotes change and emotional growth through the shared exploration of troubling experiences; it helps find possible solutions to difficult situations. In life individuals, couples, and families can face many stresses, worries, and changes that can be hard to manage. When difficulties do not resolve naturally or when it feels like close relationships are suffering, Systemic Psychotherapy can help. Systemic Psychotherapy can help to address a range of difficulties and it can be applied to work with both individuals as well as groups of people.
I have experience working with a range of mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, personality disorder, eating disorder, trauma, PTSD and ASD.
Systemic Family Therapy is a branch of Psychotherapy that promotes change and emotional growth through the shared exploration of troubling experiences; it helps find possible solutions to difficult situations. In life individuals, couples, and families can face many stresses, worries, and changes that can be hard to manage. When difficulties do not resolve naturally or when it feels like close relationships are suffering, Systemic Psychotherapy can help. Systemic Psychotherapy can help to address a range of difficulties and it can be applied to work with both individuals as well as groups of people.
020 4538 6897 View 020 4538 6897
Photo of Shane Mackay, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Shane Mackay
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
East London, London E9
I have worked with a diverse variety of people that have experienced C-PTSD, depression, grief, anxiety, bipolar disorder, various personality disorders, identity-related issues (race, gender and sexuality), obsessive & intrusive states, hearing voices, paranoia, suicidality and many other attachment-based wounding and relational issues.
After qualifying thirteen years ago I worked for City & Hackney Mind (Mental Health Charity) for seven years as the Clinical Services Manager of the Psychological Therapies Team as well as the Clinical Supervisor for a large team of trainee/qualified counsellors/psychotherapists. My approach mainly draws on Psychoanalysis, Somatic & Neurobiological approaches along with Philosophy & Critical Theory. My approach is GSRD (Gender, Sexuality, Relationship Diversity) affirmative meaning i have a passion for and extensive experience supporting Queer & LGBTQI+ as well as other non-heteronormative ways of living/being.
I have worked with a diverse variety of people that have experienced C-PTSD, depression, grief, anxiety, bipolar disorder, various personality disorders, identity-related issues (race, gender and sexuality), obsessive & intrusive states, hearing voices, paranoia, suicidality and many other attachment-based wounding and relational issues.
After qualifying thirteen years ago I worked for City & Hackney Mind (Mental Health Charity) for seven years as the Clinical Services Manager of the Psychological Therapies Team as well as the Clinical Supervisor for a large team of trainee/qualified counsellors/psychotherapists. My approach mainly draws on Psychoanalysis, Somatic & Neurobiological approaches along with Philosophy & Critical Theory. My approach is GSRD (Gender, Sexuality, Relationship Diversity) affirmative meaning i have a passion for and extensive experience supporting Queer & LGBTQI+ as well as other non-heteronormative ways of living/being.
020 3870 4138 View 020 3870 4138
Photo of Jason Ward - DBT London, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
DBT London
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East London, London E1
Step 1: Personalised Assessment with DBT London: your path to well-being begins with a detailed, personalised DBT assessment. It’s convenient and friendly, once your payment is confirmed, you’ll receive a Zoom link for a one-on-one session with one of our expert DBT therapists, specialising in DBT Skills for Emotional Regulation and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Together, we’ll determine if DBT online is the right solution for your needs. Fee: £85 for a one-hour, comprehensive DBT therapy session and treatment plan. If DBT seems like the right choice, we’ll proceed with complimentary precommitment sessions.
Step 1: Personalised Assessment with DBT London: your path to well-being begins with a detailed, personalised DBT assessment. It’s convenient and friendly, once your payment is confirmed, you’ll receive a Zoom link for a one-on-one session with one of our expert DBT therapists, specialising in DBT Skills for Emotional Regulation and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Together, we’ll determine if DBT online is the right solution for your needs. Fee: £85 for a one-hour, comprehensive DBT therapy session and treatment plan. If DBT seems like the right choice, we’ll proceed with complimentary precommitment sessions.
07480 487002 View 07480 487002
Photo of Anna Cwikla, GMBPsS, Psychologist
Anna Cwikla
Psychologist, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
East London, London E11
Jestem psychologiem oraz psychoterapeutą poznawczo-behawioralnym w trakcie certyfikacji w Szkole Psychoterapii Poznawczo-Behawioralnej Uniwersytetu SWPS pod kierownictwem dr hab. Agnieszka Popiel i dr Ewy Pragłowskiej. Ukończyłam psychologię na Uniwersytecie Jagiellońskim oraz studia podyplomowe z Diagnozy neuropsychologicznej na Uniwersytecie SWPS w Katowicach. Jestem czynnym  członkiem Polish Psychologists’ Association w Londynie, gdzie prowadzę konsultacje psychologiczne oraz psychoterapie. Doświadczenie kliniczne zdobyłam w Szpitalu Uniwersyteckim w Krakowie oraz Szpitalu im. Ludwika Rydygiera w Krakowie.
Jestem psychologiem oraz psychoterapeutą poznawczo-behawioralnym w trakcie certyfikacji w Szkole Psychoterapii Poznawczo-Behawioralnej Uniwersytetu SWPS pod kierownictwem dr hab. Agnieszka Popiel i dr Ewy Pragłowskiej. Ukończyłam psychologię na Uniwersytecie Jagiellońskim oraz studia podyplomowe z Diagnozy neuropsychologicznej na Uniwersytecie SWPS w Katowicach. Jestem czynnym  członkiem Polish Psychologists’ Association w Londynie, gdzie prowadzę konsultacje psychologiczne oraz psychoterapie. Doświadczenie kliniczne zdobyłam w Szpitalu Uniwersyteckim w Krakowie oraz Szpitalu im. Ludwika Rydygiera w Krakowie.
01708 973558 View 01708 973558
Photo of Michaela de Cruz - MdC Music Therapy, MA, HCPC-Music Therap., Psychotherapist
MdC Music Therapy
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Music Therap.
Verified Verified
East London, London E1  (Online Only)
I believe in each person’s innate musicality (Trevarthen and Malloch 2000) and recognise each person’s musical and creative core. I believe we are all resilient and resourceful but that many forces in the world, including racism, sexism, colonialism, capitalism, and more, consistently try to disconnect us from our inner power and the power of our collective communities. I believe strongly in the capacity of music in therapy to restore this connection, empowering us to access our authentic musicality and creativity and our buried resilience. I am here to support your healing in the way that feels best for you.
I believe in each person’s innate musicality (Trevarthen and Malloch 2000) and recognise each person’s musical and creative core. I believe we are all resilient and resourceful but that many forces in the world, including racism, sexism, colonialism, capitalism, and more, consistently try to disconnect us from our inner power and the power of our collective communities. I believe strongly in the capacity of music in therapy to restore this connection, empowering us to access our authentic musicality and creativity and our buried resilience. I am here to support your healing in the way that feels best for you.
020 3879 4239 View 020 3879 4239
Photo of Dr Fiona Corrigan, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Fiona Corrigan
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
East London, London E5
Fundamental to my practice is a compassionate and warm approach focusing on people’s strengths and helping people make sense of their experiences. I prioritise developing a safe, trusting and open therapeutic relationship. I am passionate about embracing the uniqueness of each individual I work with, applying a person-centred approach and an intersectional lens. I explore what is important to people in their lives, drawing on various aspects of their identity (e.g. age, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender, ability and socioeconomic background).
Fundamental to my practice is a compassionate and warm approach focusing on people’s strengths and helping people make sense of their experiences. I prioritise developing a safe, trusting and open therapeutic relationship. I am passionate about embracing the uniqueness of each individual I work with, applying a person-centred approach and an intersectional lens. I explore what is important to people in their lives, drawing on various aspects of their identity (e.g. age, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender, ability and socioeconomic background).
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Photo of Dr Michael Eisen, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Michael Eisen
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
East London, London E17
If you are feeling stressed, low, or unsure about your direction in life, then perhaps I can help. My approach is rooted in mindfulness, but as a Clinical Psychologist I am trained in a range of therapies, and so can weave them together to produce the right therapy for you. Using mindfulness-based therapy you can learn to step back from your thoughts, stop struggling with your feelings, and live the life you want. I offer a free 30-minute initial consultation, so you can make sure that I am the right person to work with.
If you are feeling stressed, low, or unsure about your direction in life, then perhaps I can help. My approach is rooted in mindfulness, but as a Clinical Psychologist I am trained in a range of therapies, and so can weave them together to produce the right therapy for you. Using mindfulness-based therapy you can learn to step back from your thoughts, stop struggling with your feelings, and live the life you want. I offer a free 30-minute initial consultation, so you can make sure that I am the right person to work with.
020 3667 9865 View 020 3667 9865
Photo of Dr Belynder Walia - Dr Belynder Walia - Serene Lifestyles, GMBPsS, Psychotherapist
Dr Belynder Walia - Serene Lifestyles
Psychotherapist, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
East London, London E1  (Online Only)
I am the founder of Serene Lifestyles, an online psychotherapy practice. I am accepting new clients and offering virtual appointments. I help people feel less anxiety or stress by transforming their mind to build confidence and self-esteem, so they feel amazing in their professional and personal relationships. I am passionate about helping people with their mental and emotional well-being.
I am the founder of Serene Lifestyles, an online psychotherapy practice. I am accepting new clients and offering virtual appointments. I help people feel less anxiety or stress by transforming their mind to build confidence and self-esteem, so they feel amazing in their professional and personal relationships. I am passionate about helping people with their mental and emotional well-being.
020 3870 2993 View 020 3870 2993
Photo of Uschi Gramann, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Uschi Gramann
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
East London, London E5
Welcome! I am an experienced Psychotherapist, Counsellor and Art psychotherapist. You may suffer from anxiety or depression or feel unsure about how to deal with relationship difficulties, separation , identity issues, bereavement ,mental health or addiction problems. You may feel stuck in certain patterns that you may wish to change and need support with. Making contact with people may feel difficult or you have low self confidence; the pandemic may have contributed to feelings of isolation and questioning one's future and purpose in life. In these situations it helps to express either verbally or through doing art your feelings.
Welcome! I am an experienced Psychotherapist, Counsellor and Art psychotherapist. You may suffer from anxiety or depression or feel unsure about how to deal with relationship difficulties, separation , identity issues, bereavement ,mental health or addiction problems. You may feel stuck in certain patterns that you may wish to change and need support with. Making contact with people may feel difficult or you have low self confidence; the pandemic may have contributed to feelings of isolation and questioning one's future and purpose in life. In these situations it helps to express either verbally or through doing art your feelings.
020 4538 2240 View 020 4538 2240
Photo of Dr Thomas Italiano, PsychD, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Dr Thomas Italiano
Psychotherapist, PsychD, MBABCP
Verified Verified
East London, London E14
Well into the 21st centuries, life has become faster and in many ways“easier” – the world is a click away – yet the demands have grown too. We are expected to be efficient, confident, independent and yet connected, relaxed, free. Contradicting expectations leave us confused, tense, dissatisfied ad it is difficult to navigate through vague routes. Against this background noise, we juggle relationships, families, work, friendships and sometimes the difficulties of the process become unmanageable. At times our struggle might take the shape of a psychological disorder: OCD, anxiety, depression; more often we feel confused or exhausted.
Well into the 21st centuries, life has become faster and in many ways“easier” – the world is a click away – yet the demands have grown too. We are expected to be efficient, confident, independent and yet connected, relaxed, free. Contradicting expectations leave us confused, tense, dissatisfied ad it is difficult to navigate through vague routes. Against this background noise, we juggle relationships, families, work, friendships and sometimes the difficulties of the process become unmanageable. At times our struggle might take the shape of a psychological disorder: OCD, anxiety, depression; more often we feel confused or exhausted.
020 3984 8085 View 020 3984 8085
Photo of Dr Elena Alexandrou, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Elena Alexandrou
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
East London, London E9  (Online Only)
I am a HCPC registered Consultant Clinical Psychologist and EMDR Consultant/Clinical Supervisor. I work with people aged 16+ with a range of psychological difficulties. Are you finding it difficult to cope right now? In tricky romantic, peer or family relationships? Perhaps you have been struggling for a while with anxiety, low mood or you have been blindsided by a traumatic/adverse event in your life? Perhaps something difficult has happened in your journey to becoming a parent or at work that you are struggling to overcome? If any of these apply to you, psychological therapy with me could make a real difference!
I am a HCPC registered Consultant Clinical Psychologist and EMDR Consultant/Clinical Supervisor. I work with people aged 16+ with a range of psychological difficulties. Are you finding it difficult to cope right now? In tricky romantic, peer or family relationships? Perhaps you have been struggling for a while with anxiety, low mood or you have been blindsided by a traumatic/adverse event in your life? Perhaps something difficult has happened in your journey to becoming a parent or at work that you are struggling to overcome? If any of these apply to you, psychological therapy with me could make a real difference!
020 3031 1225 View 020 3031 1225
Photo of San Vtgotsky Wong, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
San Vtgotsky Wong
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
East London, London E14
I am San Vtgotsky Wong. I am a senior Psychotherapist and University Supervisor, working for children, youth and mental health for more than 19 years. I am very passionate about therapeutic interventions that vary from deep psychological interventions based on the client's history and memories, to an emphasis on the relationship between therapist and client, including their cultural context and systems. I am also very interested in using symbolic representations and meanings in the therapeutic setting to assist clients on their reflections and self-awareness. I have worked in a variety of settings including psychiatric h
I am San Vtgotsky Wong. I am a senior Psychotherapist and University Supervisor, working for children, youth and mental health for more than 19 years. I am very passionate about therapeutic interventions that vary from deep psychological interventions based on the client's history and memories, to an emphasis on the relationship between therapist and client, including their cultural context and systems. I am also very interested in using symbolic representations and meanings in the therapeutic setting to assist clients on their reflections and self-awareness. I have worked in a variety of settings including psychiatric h
020 8138 8672 View 020 8138 8672
Photo of Pamela Benoit - Counselling Path, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Counselling Path
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
East London, London E17  (Online Only)
Finding the right counsellor and someone to connect with can be daunting. The prospect of finding the right person who can empathise, listen with great care and attention is crucial. We all go through difficult life experiences and sometimes having someone who can talk to, that is impartial, compassionate and truly value you, can make such a positive impact on someone's life. So often we hear "I'm not heard" or "I feel invisible" and this can have a crushing effect on the soul. Therapy is expressing yourself without the fear of being "judged". It allows you to be you! To explore why you feel the way you do and address those issues.
Finding the right counsellor and someone to connect with can be daunting. The prospect of finding the right person who can empathise, listen with great care and attention is crucial. We all go through difficult life experiences and sometimes having someone who can talk to, that is impartial, compassionate and truly value you, can make such a positive impact on someone's life. So often we hear "I'm not heard" or "I feel invisible" and this can have a crushing effect on the soul. Therapy is expressing yourself without the fear of being "judged". It allows you to be you! To explore why you feel the way you do and address those issues.
020 4538 9509 View 020 4538 9509
Photo of Rowan Reiss - Attuned Psychology and Psychiatry, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Attuned Psychology and Psychiatry
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
East London, London E18
I am a clinical psychologist currently working in a national specialist CAMHS trauma service. My work within this team, specialist inpatient and outpatient CAMHS, as well as in adult mental health services, has given me experience in supporting adults, children, and young people with severe and complex mental health difficulties. Through my training I have developed high-level knowledge of the theory and practice of both CBT including CFT, ACT, DBT and trauma-focussed CBT, and systemic approaches. I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
I am a clinical psychologist currently working in a national specialist CAMHS trauma service. My work within this team, specialist inpatient and outpatient CAMHS, as well as in adult mental health services, has given me experience in supporting adults, children, and young people with severe and complex mental health difficulties. Through my training I have developed high-level knowledge of the theory and practice of both CBT including CFT, ACT, DBT and trauma-focussed CBT, and systemic approaches. I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
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Photo of Effy Westenra, MA, MNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Effy Westenra
Psychotherapist, MA, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
East London, London E8  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I offer a mixture of exploration, insight and gentle challenge to help those I work with understand their lives and interpersonal worlds in greater depth. I draw from a range of perspectives, including contemporary relational psychoanalysis and practical here-and-now interventions, to help couples and individuals identify and grapple with longstanding struggles and patterns they don’t want to keep repeating.
I offer a mixture of exploration, insight and gentle challenge to help those I work with understand their lives and interpersonal worlds in greater depth. I draw from a range of perspectives, including contemporary relational psychoanalysis and practical here-and-now interventions, to help couples and individuals identify and grapple with longstanding struggles and patterns they don’t want to keep repeating.
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Photo of Natasha Martin Intuitive Counsellor, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
Natasha Martin Intuitive Counsellor
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
East London, London E9
Hi, my name is Natasha I am an Intuitive Counsellor. I work in guiding and helping you understand your own intuition. When we become aware of our thoughts and behaviors, we start to understand how the mind works. Breathing and grounding into the present moment helps us to connect within, to understand the difference between the voice in our mind and our heart. This allows us to let go of the conditioned mind and find our true authentic self.
Hi, my name is Natasha I am an Intuitive Counsellor. I work in guiding and helping you understand your own intuition. When we become aware of our thoughts and behaviors, we start to understand how the mind works. Breathing and grounding into the present moment helps us to connect within, to understand the difference between the voice in our mind and our heart. This allows us to let go of the conditioned mind and find our true authentic self.
01548 802256 View 01548 802256
Photo of Holly Simon - queens counselling , MBACP, Counsellor
queens counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
East London, London E4
I am a fully qualified and insured Integrated Psychotherapist, specialising in Trauma, Addiction and Relationships. I have a person-centred approach, whereby the understanding of the client, their thoughts, feelings and behaviours are the focus, as opposed to any 'labels' that they may have been told or feel that they carry. I am also qualified in EFT ('Tapping') Integrated Energy Techniques and Hypnotherapy, which are safe and effective ways to manage strong feelings, whether in the body or mind, and process difficult experiences, memories and situations.
I am a fully qualified and insured Integrated Psychotherapist, specialising in Trauma, Addiction and Relationships. I have a person-centred approach, whereby the understanding of the client, their thoughts, feelings and behaviours are the focus, as opposed to any 'labels' that they may have been told or feel that they carry. I am also qualified in EFT ('Tapping') Integrated Energy Techniques and Hypnotherapy, which are safe and effective ways to manage strong feelings, whether in the body or mind, and process difficult experiences, memories and situations.
020 3835 5625 View 020 3835 5625

See more therapy options for East London, London

Bipolar Disorder Counsellors

What is the most successful approach to treating bipolar disorder?

Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, and a number of therapies have been found effective in providing support to patients as they gain the skills to understand and manage the disorder. Family-focused therapy is often helpful for children and teens (the majority of cases develop before age 19); it aims to minimize mood cycling by improving family communication and reducing conflict. It also helps young people navigate the developmental challenges the disorder can create. Cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT) and variants such as Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)help patients manage the thoughts and feelings that influence bipolar mood swings as well as develop specific behavioral strategies to counteract them.

What happens in therapy for bipolar disorder?

Because the patterns of mood switching and its triggers differ for each person and can change over time, mood tracking or monitoring becomes a basic way patients learn about the nature of their condition. One of the most common features of therapy is finding a workable method of mood monitoring, in which patients track their daily activities and rate their moods, then use the findings to adjust routines accordingly. Patients learn ways of handling the many stresses that arise in life so that they do not trigger mood swings.

What kinds of problems does therapy help with?

Like many other mental health disorders, BPD is heavily influenced by stress; therapy provides skills for coping with stressors of all kinds. Therapy is extremely important for helping individuals identify the situations that may trigger mood switching, so that mood swings can be prevented. Therapy may especially target recognition of the early stages of mood change so that they can be managed. In addition, therapy helps patients deal with the significant amount of turbulence the disorder can create in relationships and in work life.

What is the goal of therapy for bipolar disorder?

Therapy helps patients set up their lives to maintain stability so that their mood isn’t constantly threatened by daily events. Perhaps the first task of therapy is to educate people about the nature of the disorder. At the same time, a primary goal of therapy is to enhance adherence to drug treatment. Extended periods of mood stability can prompt patients to discontinue medication, triggering relapse, while the early phases of manic episodes can feel so energizing that patients stop medication, ushering in full-blown mania and the altered self-perception that can lead to destructive behaviors. Another major goal of therapy is to understand one’s mood patterns so as to minimize both the frequency and intensity of mood cycling.